rootEd Alliance advisers cut low-skill job placement and lift rural training uptake
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 10
rootEd Alliance advisers cut low-skill job placement and lift rural training uptake
3 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 10
Across 280 schools in seven states, rootEd says students are 54% less likely to enter low-skill jobs, while post-school college or career training rises nearly 30%.
The programme, launched in 2018 by banker Byron Trott, places dedicated advisers in rural schools where overstretched counsellors often focus on crises, scheduling and basic student support.
Backed by about $100m from private and public funders, the initiative also reports a 27% rise in FAFSA completion as advisers help students pursue college, trades, military service or work.
Can a privately funded adviser truly reverse a rural community's chronic 'brain drain'?
Is the rootEd Alliance a sustainable fix or a temporary patch for systemically underfunded schools?
Empowering Rural Futures: How rootEd Alliance Helped 87% of Teton High Seniors Pursue Postsecondary Paths in 2025
Overview
rootEd Alliance is dedicated to graduating every rural student on a path to career success by recognizing their immense potential to enter in-demand careers and strengthen local economies. Driven by this understanding, rootEd’s advisors work to ensure each student graduates with a clear plan, the right support, and essential skills. Their individualized advising model has led to immediate, measurable shifts in students’ post-secondary plans, as seen in schools like Teton High School. By focusing on one-on-one guidance and practical support, rootEd Alliance is making a real difference in preparing rural students for successful futures beyond high school.